Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley awards $9.8 million in grants and scholarships in 2025

Over $9.8 million in total community support.

That’s the topline number in the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley’s newly-released 2025 Annual Report.

It represents $9.8 million in grants and scholarships awarded by the foundation in 2025 that directly benefit the residents of Aurora, Kane and Kendall counties.

Breaking down the stats, the Community Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report details hyperlocal giving in the Fox River Valley facilitated by the foundation in 2025, including:

• $600,000 in Community Impact Grants distributed to 20 organizations through partnerships with Microsoft and Illinois DCEO.

• $585,498 in Responsive Giving through the Foundation’s Discretionary Grant Program, which supports capital needs for local non-profits.

• Over $3.4 million in Scholarships — a record — awarded to 569 area students ages 14 to 53 to use over the next four years.

• $25,000 in “Next-Gen” Giving to non-profits that serve youth through the Foundation’s Youth Engagement in Philanthropy Program (YEP).

Beyond the numbers, the 2025 Annual Report features inspiring personal stories about Fox Valley residents who rely on the foundation to give back to their community and achieve their philanthropic goals.

Pete and Jane Whinfrey

Take Pete Whinfrey. Pete grew up in Aurora, graduated from West Aurora High School, built a successful life, and then, at age 40, was diagnosed with a rare eye disease that took his vision.

That’s when he committed himself to serving others and strengthening the community he calls home. From 1997 to 2007, he served on the foundation’s board of directors and saw firsthand how strategic giving can create opportunities.

He went on to establish a nursing scholarship in honor of his late wife, Judy and two funds including a scholarship for visually impaired students. He and his wife, Jane, also joined the foundation’s Legacy Society, leaving a bequest to support community needs for years to come.

Shannon and Patrick Webb

Or Shannon and Patrick Webb, graduates of Oswego High School. Today, the Webbs live with their family in Colorado, where they have met their education and career goals. To pay it forward, they established the Shannon & Patrick Webb Scholarship Fund in 2021 for graduating seniors at Oswego High School, affirming “we always planned to give back to the community that shaped us.”

“The Community Foundation has deep roots in the Fox River Valley, and we’re here to help local generosity grow into lasting impact,” said Julie Christman, president and CEO. “We understand the region’s greatest needs and serve as a convener, connector, and hub for neighbors, families, businesses, and partners who share one purpose: improving quality of life in the communities we call home.”

Go to cffrv.org/2025annualreport to see the Community Foundation’s full 2025 report. In addition, the Community Foundation is always ready to help donors interested in starting their own fund. To learn more, contact Julie Christman at (630) 896-7800 or jchristman@cffrv.org.

About the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley connects people who care with causes that matter. Founded in 1948, the foundation is a nonprofit organization with nearly 700 funds and over $145 million in assets, thanks to the many individuals and families who have generously supported the foundation’s general fund or established their own charitable funds.

Through grants, scholarships, and youth philanthropy programs, the foundation supports initiatives that strengthen the communities it serves — including the city of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County. It’s the third largest community foundation in Illinois, providing over $7 million in total combined grants annually.

The Foundation also awards an average of $3 million in scholarships each year to over 500 Fox Valley high school seniors, undergrads and graduate students, and trade school students. Since its founding in 1948, the Community Foundation has awarded over $30.7 million in scholarships to area residents.

For more information, visit cffrv.org or follow the Foundation on social media: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.